Exploring the Path - Pāli Course

Then the Bhagavā addressed the Bhikkhus: “Indeed, these foolish men, O’ Bhikkhus, having spent an uncomfortable time proclaim that they have spent it at ease. Indeed, these foolish men, Bhikkhus, having dwelled as if they were cattle proclaim that they have spent it comfortable. Bhikkhus, these foolish men, having lived as if they were goats likewise proclaim that they have spent it at ease. Further, these Bhikkhus, having spent communion in indolence likewise claim that they have lived at ease! How can these foolish men, Bhikkhus, undergo the vow of silence like the Titthiyas do?

Indeed, Bhikkhus, this will not reconcile those who are not pleased, nor will it increase the number of those who are full of faith. Bhikkhus, on the other hand indeed this will not reconcile those who are not pleased, and it will alienate some of the faithful. Having rebuked those Bhikkhus in various ways and having held a talk on Dhamma he addressed them thus:

“The observance of the vow of silence like it is the practice of the Titthiyas should not be performed. Who should follow this, commits a Dukkata-offence. I encourage you, Bhikkhus, that after emerging from the rains retreat, Bhikkhus should invite others in regard to three matters: -what has been seen, -what has been heard or -what is suspected. This will result in agreeable and mutual empathy, in atonement of any offences and in upholding the regulations of the Vinaya.

In this way the invitation should be performed. An experienced, competent Bhikkhu should inform the Saṅgha: “Venerable Ones, let the Saṅgha listen to me! Today is the day of the Pavāraṇā. If the Saṅgha agrees that to be appropriate, the Saṅgha may invite!”

A Bhikkhu, who is an Elder, after having arranged his upper robe, having bent down respectfully, with folded hands should speak thus: “Respected friends, I invite the Saṅgha, to express what has been seen, what has been heard or what is suspected. Let the Venerable Ones speak to me out of benevolence. Understanding it, I will make amends. For a second time, respected friends, I invite the Saṅgha, to express what has been seen, what has been heard or what is suspected. Let the Venerable Ones speak to me out of benevolence. Understanding it, I will make amends. And for a third time, respected friends, I invite the Saṅgha, to express what has been seen, what has been heard or what is suspected. Let the Venerable Ones speak to me out of benevolence. Understanding it, I will make amends.”

A Bhikkhu, who is newly ordained, after having arranged his upper robe, having bent down respectfully, with folded hands should speak thus: “Respected friends, I invite the Saṅgha, to express what has been seen, what has been heard or what is suspected. Let the Venerable Ones speak to me out of benevolence. Understanding it, I will make amends. For a second time, respected friends, I invite the Saṅgha, to express what has been seen, what has been heard or what is suspected. Let the Venerable Ones speak to me out of benevolence. Understanding it, I will make amends. And for a third time, respected friends, I invite the Saṅgha, to express what has been seen, what has been heard or what is suspected. Let the Venerable Ones speak to me out of benevolence. Understanding it, I will make amends.”---* Aphāsukavihāro, Pavāraṇākkhandhako a selected text from Vinayapiṭake: a +phāsuka +vihāro: not + comfortable + dwelling